Tipping on a cruise ship is a hot topic and a rather confusing one. Let’s talk about how they work and how it is different than you are used to.
Automatic Gratuities:
Most cruise lines add daily service charges to your onboard account. They typical range from $14–18 pp/day (suites a bit more). This tip is shared across the cabin steward, dining team, and behind-the-scenes crew (think laundry, maintenance, etc.).
Most cruise lines add daily service charges to your onboard account. They typical range from $14–18 pp/day (suites a bit more). This tip is shared across the cabin steward, dining team, and behind-the-scenes crew (think laundry, maintenance, etc.).
Can you remove them?
Technically yes… but please don’t unless something went seriously wrong. The crew relies on these and they are part of their wages. It would be my preference if they just included them in the price of the cruise, but that is just not how it works.
Technically yes… but please don’t unless something went seriously wrong. The crew relies on these and they are part of their wages. It would be my preference if they just included them in the price of the cruise, but that is just not how it works.
Sometimes they are included in packages or special offers:
Some cruise lines include them in packages:
– Princess Plus/Premier
– Virgin Voyages (included for everyone)
– NCL Free at Sea depending on perks
Some cruise lines include them in packages:
– Princess Plus/Premier
– Virgin Voyages (included for everyone)
– NCL Free at Sea depending on perks
Should you tip extra and when:
We always bring small bills. A few examples:
– Room service: $2–3
– Bar: $1–2 (unless it is included in your drink pkg!)
– Cabin steward (for great service): $20 – $50
– Excursions: $2–5 for guides/drivers
We always bring small bills. A few examples:
– Room service: $2–3
– Bar: $1–2 (unless it is included in your drink pkg!)
– Cabin steward (for great service): $20 – $50
– Excursions: $2–5 for guides/drivers
My advice:
Budget for gratuities early so the final bill doesn’t surprise you. And always pack some $1s and $5s – you’ll use them if you get great service!
Budget for gratuities early so the final bill doesn’t surprise you. And always pack some $1s and $5s – you’ll use them if you get great service!
Your turn: Do you usually add extra tips on your cruises?
Need help finding the perfect cruise line? Reach out and we can chat or you can read my blog post talking about the different options.